Dean Young, an Orange Beach businessman and conservative political activist, announced today that he will challenge U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Mobile, in next year’s Republican primary.

Young criticized Bonner for supporting the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program, commonly known as TARP, and government stimulus measures.

“We’ve given Jo Bonner 9 years to fix the problem, and the truth is, he has become part of the problem,” Young said in a telephone interview. “You don’t bail out companies with other people’s money.”

A Bonner spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The primary election is scheduled March 13, 2012, with the general election Nov. 6, 2012.

Young, 47, describes himself as an entrepreneur involved in business ventures including real estate, property rental and marketing. He has also dabbled in politics, working as an aide to former Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, opposing local tax measures and running for lieutenant governor in 2010.

Young dropped out of that race when Republican Kay Ivey, the eventual winner, entered it.

He vowed to give Bonner a forceful challenge.

“I plan to mount a strong campaign and make sure the people have a clear choice,” Young said.

He acknowledged that beating a five-term incumbent in Congress can be difficult, particularly with regard to fundraising, but added that the usual political calculations might not apply because the country is longing for “a new direction.”

“I believe we’re watching history take place in our country, and I believe that the people are paying attention more closely than they’ve paid attention in their entire lives,” Young said.